Saturday, September 14, 2013

No, I'm not back to writing. I just wanted to thank you all for your wishes. I'm genuinely touched.

It's been a bad week. I've likely cried more than I ever have. I'm not one of those "boys don't cry" types, but am still in shock. Maybe someday I'll write about it.

One of the most remarkable things (at least to me) about the brain is its ability to remember songs and lyrics, long after we last heard them, or even remembered they existed.

Although I haven't heard the album in over 35 years, somewhere during the week my brain dragged out a song from my childhood that I'd long since forgotten about, and been playing it nonstop in my mental background. It's from Free to Be You and Me (1972) and is "It's All Right to Cry." It was, ironically, sung by football great Rosey Grier.

Normally my earworms drive me nuts, but this one has been very soothing. Thank you, Mr. Grier, wherever you are.

I am shocked at myself for having this horrible desire to want to know what happened. I don't know you, and your tragedy is really none of my business. I guess that I am taken aback by feeling a connection to you just by reading your blog. Oh, how the Internet has changed us humans...

A year ago this October, my darling mother died. You were my ray of sunshine for the six weeks that preceded her death. I checked your blog daily for my two minutes of laughter. Sometimes it is difficult to find words to fully express our emotions. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you have a loyal following out here. Would that we could do for you what you do for us. Come back to us when you are ready. We'll be here.

I've been crying right along with you. Although i have been singing "Wait a Minute Mr. Postman." My husband had open heart surgery on August 28 and has yet to come out of the coma. I will had both you and your family to my prayers.

Others have said it better so I'll stand on line and wait my turn to give you a hug, let you know you are a happy place for me and so many others, and I will be here when you come back. Take good care, Dr. G.

It's amazing, Dr. G. You're the first doctor I've met albeit via internet that has shown all elements of being a member of this human race. I am amazed, humbled, grateful and touched, deeply, that you've shared the good, bad, ugly, and funny with us. Through these dark times, I hope there is light, and peace. God give you and yours strength and wisdom. God bless.

I am sorry that you are going through a difficult time. I am amazed and grateful that you are taking the time to keep us updated. Bless you. I am a faithful reader and hoping for the best for you and your family.

Dr. Grumpy, just saw this news, and wanted to express my own condolences. I'm adding my voice to the others that have said we're thinking of you, and wishing you peace and strength in this difficult time.

sending well wished you way. and tha.k you for the doctors should listen to nurses post. I'm an ER nurse, and a dam hard working one at that. 99% of the docs listen when i talk becausr if im talking to you there is a damn good reason because i don't have time to chit chat.. but that 1% that waves me off and disregards my concerns really gets to me. But its physicians like you that make me keep going. thanks! Sabrina Canadian ER RN

let go of what you cannot control, do the next right thing as it becomes clear, be gentle with yourself and those around you, and know that this too shall pass...humans have amazing resilience, even with great pain and loss and fear...to keep going, one step at a time...and know that there are many people sending you hugs, prayers, energy, healing thoughts, love....you are not alone...

Dr G,Grieve. Make no apologies and grieve as much as you want. It is a never ending process. You will think it is over and the grief will strike you again. Keep whatever prevents your insanity from taking over in the foremost part of your mind. It does get better. It does get easier. Our regrets are our own and we learn to live with them or we die.Gary L. Griffin RN

In difficult time I turn to the Desiderata...."Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."

You always make a day of the medical office grind a bit easier, so I miss you and will be happy to see you return. I am feeling anxiety for your troubles without knowing anything at all about them. As a mother and wife in addition to being a doctor, I can only imagine the worst. Let's all hope for something less than that.

I read regularly--I comment rarely. You tell a funny story, I laugh. You tell a sad story, I've cried a few times too. I don't actually "know" you Dr. Grumpy-but I wish you peace during this difficult time.

Delurking for first comment: please please take care, my best wishes to your and your family. I hope the darkness passes soon. You guys are the good eggs in this world. My heart goes out that you are going through a bad time.

Clearly there isn't a commenter here who wouldn't do something to help wipe those tears away; so, if this is how much you've touched anonymous folks on the internet then, surely, you're a great doctor and wonderful human being.

Deluding to say my thoughts are with you and the fam. You ave brought much laughter to me (a nurse practitioner student) and my kid (a med school hopeful). Please bake all the time you need. And thank you for all the comic relief!

Welcome to my whining!

This blog is entirely for entertainment purposes. All posts about patients may be fictional, or be my experience, or were submitted by a reader, or any combination of the above. Factual statements may or may not be accurate.

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Note: I do not answer medical questions. If you are having a medical issue, see your own doctor. For all you know I'm really a Mongolian yak herder and have no medical training at all except in issues regarding the care and feeding of Mongolian yaks.